The “Creators of Hope” exhibition provides a stage for wounded soldiers and survivors of the Nova tragedy who are undergoing rehabilitation. Through art and creative expression, they undergo a profound healing process and come to terms with the traumatic experiences of war. Sergeant Elisha, who initiated the project and presented it for the first time last week, tells how the idea came about, how art contributes to recovery and what prompted him to pick up a paintbrush for the first time.
As soon as you enter the brightly lit room, you are greeted by colorful paintings, sparkling jewelry and smiling faces. At first glance, it is hard to believe that behind each stand lies a story of survival and new beginnings. But at second glance it becomes clear: this exhibition is much more than a collection of works of art. The artists carry a special story within themselves – they are survivors of Nova or disabled veterans.
The Creators of Hope project was started by Sergeant Elisha and his close friend and comrade Sergeant Itai. Both were seriously injured during fighting in the Gaza Strip.
“The idea came from our own processing of the experience,” explains Elisha. “I was seriously injured when my team stormed a building in the northern Gaza Strip. I fell 15 meters and my comrades thought they had lost me – but miraculously I survived. After operations at the Ichilov Hospital, a long rehabilitation process began.”
About a week after his injury, a civilian painter came to visit the ward where Elisha was being treated. “I thought: ‘Why not? I’ll just try it. Even though I had no artistic experience, painting gave me an incredible inner freedom. Suddenly I had a way to express my thoughts and feelings. When I noticed how positively it affected me, I suggested to Itai that he should try it too.”
Soon after, the idea of a unique art exhibition was born, which Elisha and Itai put into practice. “We started looking for artists – Nova survivors and war wounded – and finally found a suitable space for our exhibition,” he says. “We worked on it for more than five months. I was still in the early stages of my rehabilitation and came to the meetings with crutches.”
On the day of the event, 14 wounded soldiers and Nova survivors exhibit their works for sale. Elisha and Itai can hardly hide their emotions. “My heart is beating like crazy,” Itai admits. Together they walk through the rows of artists, talk to visitors and meet fellow soldeirs who surprise them with their presence.
“In every form of art – whether painting, jewelry or woodwork – pain and hope are reflected. Art heals,” explains Elisha. “For me, it means hope and healing. I am proud to be here today and to provide a platform for people like me.”
“Art brings us healing and is our way forward,” adds Itai. “Body and soul must be treated together to draw inner strength – for ourselves, for our friends and for those around us. This exhibition proves that the brightest light can emerge from the darkest moments.”
A report by the IDF.
